Identification and seasonal variation of atmospheric organic pollutants in Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil

Organic aerosol samples collected during a 1 year study at three sites in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were examined by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Samples were acquired using a standard high-volume air sampler (Hi-Vol); extracts prepared and fractionated into aliphatic, aromatic and polar compounds. These compounds were quantified and their seasonal ambient concentration patterns discussed. High winter and low summer concentrations were observed for retene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and total suspended particulate matter (TSP), with a seasonal (winter) peak for all compounds studied. The higher concentrations observable from May to September may result from crop burning processes, which occur in the sugarcane plantations, mainly during this part of the year. The studied sites may be considered unpolluted as concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene and benzene were lower than the regulation lower limits. On the other hand, two sites were considered polluted by TSP determination.